Maryam Abacha
Maryam Abacha | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 4, 1947 Nigeria |
| Occupation | Former First Lady of Nigeria |
| Known for | Widow of Sani Abacha; founder of National Hospital Abuja; initiator of African First Ladies Peace Mission |
Maryam Abacha (born 4 March 1947) is the widow of Sani Abacha, who governed Nigeria as a military head of state from 1993 until 1998.
Early life and career
In 1999, Maryam Abacha publicly asserted that her late husband had acted with Nigeria’s best interests at heart. This declaration was perceived as an effort to secure leniency from the government led by President Olusegun Obasanjo, under whose administration Sani Abacha had been imprisoned. Following her husband's passing, she was discovered trying to exit Nigeria carrying 38 suitcases filled with cash. By the year 2000, she continued to live in Nigeria and upheld her husband’s innocence despite widespread accusations concerning human rights violations. Her residence is located in Kano State.
Together, Maryam and Sani Abacha had ten children: seven sons and three daughters. Their eldest surviving son is Mohammed Abacha.
Maryam Abacha is credited with founding the National Hospital Abuja, initially known as the National Hospital For Women And Children, and she also initiated the African First Ladies Peace Mission.
Bibliography
- Kabir, Hajara Muhammad. Northern women development. [Nigeria]. . .